U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt on May 16 visited the Kurdistan Region and was welcomed by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

“We discussed advancing energy sector collaboration, opportunities to invest in clean and renewable energy projects, and plans to improve the electricity sector for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” Prime Minister Barzani said in a statement.

After the meeting, they visited the Mass Global power plant in Pirdawood and the Khurmala power and refinery facilities operated by Kar Group in Erbil.

In a press briefing, they emphasized the importance of advancing the energy sector in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, particularly by adopting clean energy solutions, protecting the environment, and limiting air pollution. Prime Minister Barzani thanked the U.S. for its support in advancing the energy sector in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Assistant Secretary Pyatt reaffirmed his country's support for a strong and prosperous Kurdistan Region within a federal Iraq. He commended the region's energy industry's progress, highlighting its alignment with global standards and likening this region to Oklahoma.